Aruba restaurants and must do's?

[ArtsieAng]

Thanks! And there are coupons for both (not big, but still) here:

Aruba Discounts - Restaurants

That's great! Better than nothing.

[Glitter Brunello]

The Butterfly Farm was really great today. Gorgeous butterflies and very informative. Butterfly Farm - Home We are thinking about visiting the Donkey Sanctuary tomorrow or Friday. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

Then went on across the street to the Phoenix (Divi Phoenix) for the best lunch we've had all week at Pure Beach. We plan to return tomorrow. Restaurants Aruba - review Pure Beach Lounge Bar & Restaurant

Followed by the best dinner of the week at Papiamento. Welcome

We have a sitter tomorrow and are supposed to go to Aqua Grill but are considered going back to Papiamento instead. The grilled goat cheese w/honey was insane.

[GrayFal]

Chez Mathilde is also quite special.

intromatilde

Edit.....too bad - closing! or closed....

The "Chez" is bidding farewell
Change is and always will be part of life. Is also said that every beginning unavoidably will have to conduce to an end. After 24 wonderful years serving royalty, notables and thousands of satisfied customers, Chez Matilde is waving goodbye.

We leave behind a tradition of unwavering commitment to excellence, the same one that granted us the highest AAA rating, the same one that brought many customers back time and time again.

We want to say thank you to all those that made Matilde their dining place. To all those that through their hard work and dedication maintained the high standards that Matilde was always known for. To everyone that helped us be the leading dining experience in Aruba for almost a quarter century.

It was a wonderful journey, and one full of cherished memories that we will never forget. To everyone, thank you and goodbye. It was our pleasure and privilege to serve you

[Glitter Brunello]

Two more great meals:

Simply Fish at the Marriott, we scored an oceanfront table and food was excellent. We tried to go to back to Papiamento but it was closed for a private party - this was a great alternative; the setting was to die for.

And we went back to Madam Janette tonight at the kids' request. Much better than our first dinner there as we ordered better - the chilean sea bass was perfection. And the Mango Mojitos are fantastic!

[ArtsieAng]

Sounds like you guys are having a great time!.......One of the nicest things about Aruba are the many good restaurants, and beautiful sunsets. Reading about your trip is making wish I where there! Lol. The weather still stinks here, btw. Oy, will Spring ever arrive?

Enjoy!

[Glitter Brunello]

Back again, finally tried the Jolly Pirate. It was such a huge hit with all six of us that we went back again two days later. The return visit did help some with my rope-swinging form.

Had another stupendous meal at Madam Janette's. Saved it for the last night, everyone loved it.

Papiamento was disappointing, will be taking that out of the rotation next time.

We barely left the resort except for a few dinners and to go to Jolly Pirate. Stopped at Moomba Beach for snacks/bevvies when we disembarked, really fun.

Getting taxis for six of us was tough. Arubian insurance only allows for 5 passengers, some drivers bent the rules since two of us were little, but most wouldn't so we needed two cabs.

The airport on the way home really SUCKS. US Customs is handled at AUA, so we had to check bags, pick them up, drop them off again, and go through security TWICE. Took us two solid hours. They aren't kidding when they tell you to get there 3 hours ahead of your flight.

There are a few sunset catamarans that look nice.

My son took Kiteboarding lessons at Dare2Fly. LOVED it. Warning -- $$$$ Dare2fly Kiteboarding Schools

[bigfrank]

My son took Kiteboarding lessons at Dare2Fly. LOVED it. Warning -- $$$$ Dare2fly Kiteboarding Schools

Now I wish they had this when I was 20 Ok I admit I still would not do it

[Glitter Brunello]

Now I wish they had this when I was 20 Ok I admit I still would not do it

DS is young and buff and he was so sore after the first day he almost couldn't get up for the second day's lesson.

[catahoula]

We enjoyed the Wacky Wahoo. Fish was fresh and prepared excellent. We stopped at Zee Rovers for fresh Snapper 3 times. The first time they fried it for us. Then 2 times we took home and bbq d ourselves. Takeout for 16 and 19 bucks fed the 4 of us.